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What to See and Do in Beloeil, Quebec

Beloeil, Quebec, is a city in Quebec, Canada. It is a suburb of Montreal, situated on the South Shore along the Richelieu River, approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Montreal. Beloeil has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was first opened to settlement. 


The city's name, Belœil, loosely translates to "beautiful eye," but one theory suggests it originated from the breathtaking view atop Mont Saint-Hilaire. Another theory links the name to a town in Belgium with the same name.


Geographically, Beloeil lies in the central Saint Lawrence Lowlands, characterized by plains on both sides of the Saint Lawrence River. The city's landscape includes the majestic Mont Saint-Hilaire, 414 meters (1,358 feet) across the Richelieu River. 

 

The region surrounding Beloeil is predominantly agricultural, contributing to its picturesque charm.

 

Regarding demographics, Beloeil had a population of 24,104 per the 2021 Census, with a population density of 988.7/km2. The city boasts a diverse population, with a significant percentage of first and second-generation Canadians. 

 

Transportation in Beloeil is well-connected, with significant road connections like Route 116 and Autoroute 20 linking Montreal to Quebec via Beloeil and Saint-Hyacinthe.

 

Beloeil offers a blend of history and modernity, with cultural venues like La Maison de la culture Villebon and the Cultural Centre enriching the city's cultural scene. Residents and visitors can enjoy attractions like the Gault Nature Reserve and the historic Maison Prévert. 

 

Beloeil is a vibrant city with a unique blend of heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it a captivating destination in Quebec, Canada.

 

History Of Beloeil Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The city was first opened to settlement in the first quarter of the 18th century, with all the available land granted by 1754. 

 

Beloeil was initially a thriving agricultural community, growing around the seigneury of Beloeil, granted to Joseph Hertel in 1694 and sold to Charles Le Moyne de Longueuil in 1711, and the parish of Saint-Mathieu, established in 1772.

 

The name Beloeil originates from a debate between two theories. The first theory suggests that the city was named after the view from atop Mont Saint-Hilaire, with Jean-Baptiste Hertel exclaiming, "Quel bel œil!" (What a beautiful view!) upon seeing the view. 

 

The second theory proposes that the name derives from a town in Belgium that has the same name. While the city government of Beloeil refuses to take a position in the debate, local historian Pierre Lambert argues for the "beautiful view" as the probable origin of the name.

 

Beloeil's development could have been faster in the initial decades following the arrival of Europeans due to the geographic situation of the Richelieu, which made it a primary avenue of attack from New York toward New France. 

 

However, by 1768, the local population had grown significantly, leading to the establishment of a mission. In 1772, a presbytery-chapel was completed, and the registry of the parish of Saint-Mathieu-de-Belœil was opened. Beloeil was officially created as a village in 1903 and became a city in 1914.

 

The city's growth was influenced by the construction of a powder magazine in 1878, which led to the establishment of a critical Canadian Industries Limited munitions factory. Munition production significantly influenced the First and Second World Wars, contributing to the city's population growth.

 

Beloeil's population of about 6,000 tripled in the 30 years following the building of the Trans-Canada Highway in the early 1960s, transforming it into a residential suburb of Montreal. Today, Beloeil forms an unbroken urban area of over 50,796 inhabitants, part of Greater Montreal. 

 

The city is known for its cultural venues, such as La Maison de la culture Villebon, the Cultural Centre, and Théâtre des Hirondelles, as well as attractions like the Gault Nature Reserve and the historic Maison Prévert.

 

Geography Of Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, is located in the province of Quebec, on the South Shore of the Richelieu River, approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Montreal. It is in the central Saint Lawrence Lowlands, a plains region on both sides of the Saint Lawrence River. 

 

The city occupies the west shore of the Richelieu River in front of Mont Saint-Hilaire. The region surrounding Beloeil is predominantly agricultural, and the city forms part of a broader agglomeration of over forty thousand inhabitants.

 

Beloeil's elevation above sea level near the city on the western shore of the Richelieu is lower than 30 meters (98 ft). The Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil Aerodrome at the western edge of town lies 14 meters (46 ft) above mean sea level. 

 

Just across the Richelieu River, Mont Saint-Hilaire, known as Mount Belœil for most of the nineteenth century, dominates the regional landscape with its 414 meters (1,358 ft).

 

Beloeil, QC, Canada's latitude is 45.567924, and its longitude is -73.203949. The city's name, Belœil, is often written with an oe ligature, per the official Commission de toponymie du Québec. However, other sources, including the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the town's official website, avoid the ligature.

 

Beloeil is well-connected by road, with significant connections on Route 116 and Autoroute 20. Both of these roads connect Montreal to Quebec via Beloeil and Saint-Hyacinthe. The city also offers a bus service linking Saint-Hyacinthe to Longueuil via Beloeil along Route 116.

 

The Economy Of Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, has an evolving, diverse economy. Initially, It was a thriving agricultural community, with the seigneury of Beloeil and the parish of Saint-Mathieu, established in 1772, playing significant roles in its growth.

 

The construction of a powder magazine in 1878 led to establishing a critical Canadian Industries Limited munitions factory, which played a significant role in the First and Second World Wars. This contributed to the area's population growth, eventually leading to the city's incorporation in 1914.

 

Following the building of the Trans-Canada Highway in the early 1960s, Beloeil transformed into a residential suburb of Montreal, with its population tripling in the 30 years that followed. 

 

Today, Beloeil is primarily a commuter town for people working in Montreal, with the services industry being the largest employer, accounting for 51.9% of the population. Other significant fields include retail trade (14.2%), manufacturing (13.4%), and construction (6.1%).

 

Beloeil has a diverse workforce, with the most common jobs in sales and service, business, finance, administration, and trades and transport. The unemployment rate in Beloeil is 5.0%, which is lower than the provincial average of 7.0%.

 

In 2005, Beloeil adopted a bylaw limiting the size of commerce on its territory to no more than 40,000 square feet (3,700 m2). 

 

This was mainly aimed at preventing Wal-Mart's attempts to establish a 110,000-square-foot (10,000 m2) mega-store. The main retail shopping in town is the Montenach Mall, which offers many shops and services.

 

Regarding demographics, Beloeil has a population of 24,104 as of 2021, with 92.6% speaking French only, 2.1% speaking English only, and 4.8% speaking both English and French or other languages. 

 

The median household income in Beloeil is $90,000, while the median after-tax household income is $76,000 per year.

 

Demographics Of Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, has a population of 24,104 as of 2021, with a population density of 988.7/km2 (2,560.7/sq mi) in 2021. The city had a population of 50,845 in 2016 and 48,688 in 2011, representing a population percentage change of 4.4 between 2011 and 2016.

 

In 2021, 82.9% of the population was 15 or older, and the median age was 42.0, higher than the Quebec average of 43. The city had 7,075 households, 2,865 couples with children, 3,155 childless couples, and 2,920 one-person households.

 

Regarding demographics, 6.3% were first-generation Canadians, while 5.6% were second-generation. 4.5% of residents were visible minorities, 0.9% were Indigenous, and 94.6% were white/European. The largest visible minority groups were Black (1.9%) and Latin American (0.9%).

 

In 2021, 67.1% of residents were Christian, down from 86.7% in 2011. 60.4% were Catholic, 4.3% were Christian n.o.s, and 0.7% were Protestant. All other Christian denominations and Christian-related traditions comprised 1.5% of the population. 

 

31.5% of the population was non-religious or secular, up from 12.8% in 2011. The only named non-Christian religions with followers in Beloeil were Islam (0.9%) and Buddhism (0.3%).

 

Beloeil has a diverse workforce, with the most common jobs in sales and service, business, finance, administration, and trades and transport. The unemployment rate in Beloeil is 5.0%, which is lower than the provincial average of 7.0%.

 

Education In Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Education in Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, strongly emphasizes post-secondary education and various educational institutions serving the local population. 

 

In 2006, 57.6% of the population aged 15 and older reported having a post-secondary diploma of some form, including vocational, CÉGEP, or university education. Additionally, 22.9% reported having a university diploma or degree.

 

Beloeil has five French-language public elementary schools that serve around 1,200 to 1,300 elementary school-age children. These schools belong to the Commission Scolaire des Patriotes and include Le Petit Bonheur, Le Tournesol, Saint-Mathieu, Jolivent, and au Coeur-des-Monts. 

 

The city also has one English-language elementary school named Cedar. Furthermore, Beloeil is home to a French-language high school, the École Secondaire Polybel.

 

Beloeil residents have access to various fields of study for post-secondary education. In 2006, 2,220 individuals specialized in business and management, while 1,775 focused on architecture and engineering. 

 

Beloeil's educational landscape reflects a commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities to its residents, preparing them for successful careers and personal growth.

 

Transport System In Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, has a transportation system with various options for residents and visitors to move around the city and connect to neighboring areas. 

 

The city is located on the South Shore of the Richelieu River, approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Montreal, and is well-connected by road. 

 

Route 116 and Autoroute 20 are significant connections. Both of these roads connect Montreal to Quebec via Beloeil and Saint-Hyacinthe.

 

For public transportation, the CIT de la Vallée du Richelieu offers a bus service linking Saint-Hyacinthe to Longueuil via Beloeil along route 116. Its Longueuil terminus connects directly to the Yellow Line of the Montreal Metro. 

 

An additional, more occasional service directly links Beloeil to downtown Montreal. However, the vast majority of the population of Beloeil prefers to commute by road to work. 

 

In 2006, among the local population that worked outside their home, 81% reported driving to work, 5% reported going in someone else's car, whereas only 7.5% reported using public transit. Among other transportation methods, 5.9% reported walking or using a bicycle.

 

For on-demand transportation, exo on-demand Beloeil and McMasterville provide public transportation services that can be booked through their mobile app or website. This service allows residents and visitors to travel within Beloeil and McMasterville, offering a flexible and convenient transportation option.

 

Taxis are also available in Beloeil for those preferring private transportation. However, specific information regarding taxi services in Beloeil is not readily available in the search results.

 

Beloeil's transportation system includes various options, such as major roads, public bus services, on-demand transportation, and private transportation options like taxis and personal vehicles.

 

Living In Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, offers residents a blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty. The city is located on the South Shore of the Richelieu River, approximately 32 kilometers east of Montreal, and is well-connected by road, with significant connections being Route 116 and Autoroute 20. Beloeil has a population of 24,104 as of 2021, with a population density of 988.7/km2 (2,560.7/sq mi).

 

The city's name, Belœil, is often written with an oe ligature, per the official Commission de toponymie du Québec. However, other sources, including the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the town's official website, avoid the ligature. 

 

Beloeil is known for its rich history, which began with the granting of a seigneurie along the shores of the Richelieu River in 1694. Due to the city's geographic situation, the development of the Richelieu could have been faster in the initial decades. 

 

Still, it grew into a thriving agricultural community around the seigneury of Beloeil and the parish of Saint-Mathieu, established in 1772.

 

Beloeil is a residential suburb of Montreal. Its population tripled in the 30 years following the building of the Trans-Canada Highway in the early 1960s. 

 

The city is well-known for its cultural venues, such as La Maison de la Culture Villebon, the Cultural Centre, and Théâtre des Hirondelles. Residents and visitors enjoy the Gault Nature Reserve and the historic Maison Prévert.

 

The city has a diverse population, with 6.3% being first-generation Canadians and 5.6% second-generation. The majority of the population is 15 years of age or older, and the median age is 42 years old. The median household income in Beloeil is $90,000, while the median after-tax household income is $76,000 per year.

 

Beloeil is well-connected by road, with Route 116 and Autoroute 20 significant connections. The city also offers a bus service linking Saint-Hyacinthe to Longueuil via Beloeil along Route 116. However, most people prefer to use the road to commute to work.

 

Living in Beloeil offers residents a high quality of life, with access to cultural venues, natural beauty, and modern amenities. The city's blend of history and modernity and proximity to Montreal make it attractive for those seeking a balance between urban and suburban living.

 

Tourist Places In Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, offers a variety of tourist attractions that cater to different interests. Here are some of the top tourist places in Beloeil:

  • Parc Gaspard-Boucault: This park is a popular destination for locals and tourists, rating 4.5 out of 5 and 59 reviews on Google Maps. It is located at 265 Rue Demers, Beloeil, QC J3G 4Y6, Canada.
  • Promenade Du Bord-de-l'eau: This waterfront promenade is a scenic spot for a leisurely stroll. It is rated 4.7 out of 5 and has 206 reviews on Google Maps. It is located in Beloeil, QC J3G 4P8, Canada.
  • L'arène du Nord: This ice hockey arena is a popular venue for sports events and activities, located at 940 Rue Guertin, Beloeil, QC J3G 4E2, Canada.
  • Beloeil Tourisme Montérégie: This tourist information center offers information on local attractions, activities, and events in Beloeil and the surrounding region.
  • Gault Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography, with over 1,000 hectares of protected land.
  • Maison Prévert: This historic house is a museum dedicated to the life and work of French poet Jacques Prévert, who spent his final years in Beloeil.
  • La Maison de la Culture Villebon: This cultural center annually hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances.
  • Théâtre des Hirondelles: This summer playhouse in neighboring Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil is a popular destination for theater lovers.

 

These are just a few tourist places in Beloeil, Quebec, Canada. Visitors can also explore the city's rich history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for tourists of all ages and interests.

 

Traditional Dishes Of Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

 

Beloeil, Quebec, Canada, is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural venues. One could explore local restaurants and food establishments to learn about traditional dishes. 

 

Yelp Canada provides a list of the top 10 restaurants in Beloeil, which could be a starting point for exploring the local food scene. Additionally, Uber Eats offers a list of popular dishes and restaurants in Beloeil, which could provide insight into the local food culture.

 

It's worth noting that Quebec is known for its unique food culture, which includes dishes like poutine, tourtière, and tournedos Rossini. These dishes are famous throughout Quebec and can also be found in Beloeil.

 

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